By: Amanda Anderson-Niles
Usher’s ex-wife Tameka Raymond is catching lots of backlash for her behavior on VH1’s new hit reality show “Atlanta Exes” and she’s now claiming that the producers and shady editing are to blame for how she’s been acting on the small screen.
In a blog posted to her personal website, Tameka makes it clear she’s not too happy with her debut to reality television.
She writes:
I’ve been the recipient of kindness from total strangers during the most difficult times in my life. Men, women and young people have expressed goodwill and given me assurance that their prayers have had my name attached to them. Thank you. For this reason, I feel I owe it to my friends and supporters a better understanding of the most recent “Atlanta Exes” episodes. Many are confused because their personal interactions with me were totally opposite with what they see on television. There’s a reason for this…
Drama is value. Be it good or bad. No other place is this understood more than the medium of television. As with any reality show, we filmed hundreds of hours from which aggressive editing was initiated to elevate tension and create story. All of us, the entire cast understood this going in. We signed up for it. However, several scenes were placed together that did not happen in real time as they appeared. One joke, one side-eye or one critical comment transposed to another unrelated scene can create synthetic arguments that in reality did not occur. Editing can be and is dangerous!
Tameka also gives life to rumors of Bravo producers trying to get her on RHOA too:
When “Atlanta Exes” came together, I was actually proud to be a part of this group of strong women who have all shared the same experience of being married to a celebrity. I had turned down several other reality series because none of them had the promise of presenting a positive take away for the viewers. This show was supposed to be different. It was to be about ‘sisterhood’ and shared experiences between like-minded women. It was supposed to be positive and inspiring.
As you have seen in only three episodes, it has gotten out of hand and turned into something like the other Reality Series – the same ones I turned down in the past. The ones that further the stereotype of Angry/bitter Black women. I am disappointed and frustrated to be presented like that. I am not that woman. I am blessed with a wonderful family, genuine friendships, and vast opportunities to inspire and affect change in the lives of millions. A responsibility I take seriously.
She also called out her costar Torrei Hart for allegedly carrying out the dirty work of the producers:
I have made mistakes. When the producers asked to film my T-Market (Flea Market) event in support of my “Kile’s Word Foundation”, I honestly should have never agreed to it. That was my fault. Once there, the producers felt the scenes didn’t have “enough action.” So, I was told they sent Torrei and her friend Traci Steele to start some sh*t – and sh*t they started! Not the optimal plan…
What they didn’t know is anything having to do with the loss of my son is off limits, especially when mockery or childish fodder is included. I can’t untangle those feelings for TV. It is a zone that doesn’t go with the rest of my entertainment life. Although creating a confrontation there may have provided the “action” or the valuable drama I spoke of earlier, it was a mistake. Poor in taste.
Everyone knows how dirty producers are because ratings are the most important thing to them. But Tameka can’t be mad because she knew what she was signing up for. Most reality shows aren’t positive. No one forced her to do this.
This.
Sit down Tameka.
I do feel like the show is already very negative but it’s what VH1 prides itself on. Drama and ratchetness. If Tameka is against that, she should have turned down VH1 like she did Bravo.
Exactly. She can’t pretend she didn’t know the producers will do anything for drama. And I’m giving Torrei the side eye more than Tameka. She’s acting real thirsty.
Tameka please stop trying to play the blame game. It’s not the producers it isn’t anybody on the cast making her look bad. She is making her own self look bad with her negativity.
LOL. She’s in denial of having a stank attitude.
She really is. She’s never been known for being a sweetheart that’s for sure.
No one made her get on this show. And did she not see Hollywood Exes? What was so positive about that?
Says the same woman who is so nasty and rude in interviews. What you see is what you get when it comes to Tameka.
Tameka is a very blunt person and she just doesn’t understand that’s gold for a reality show.
I kind of suspected the producers were the ones who put Torrei up to confronting Tameka at the charity event. It was just so out of place and random and then Traci just walked in. It looked like it was manufactured.
Well if she doesn’t like it she can always quit. I doubt she will though because she always loved attention.
Producers can only “edit” what was there to begin with, so cry me a river Tameka. You are Torrei are the same, that’s why you do like each other. Plus, I’m sorry, but you don’t seem like Andy Cohen’s type. I don’t believe Bravo approached you hon. Sounds like your lying…again!
Lol
So much delusion. Lol.
But her attitude during her custody hearings in court was no different than what we see on the show.
But her attitude always sucked.
Girl gone. She has an excuse for everything.
As annoying and nasty as Tameka is, she’s great for a reality show. She’s just mad she’s getting dragged on Twitter now more than ever.